Argyresthia austerella
Common NameArgyresthia austerella
Scientific NameArgyresthia austerella
FamilyArgyresthiidae
Wingspan (mm)11
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorscream, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, and areas with host juniper and arborvitae trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host PlantsJuniperus, Thuja
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are twig borers, feeding internally within the twigs of juniper and arborvitae trees. Pupation likely occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its small size (wingspan 10-12 mm), the distinctive mottled pattern of dark and light scales on the forewings, and its characteristic resting posture with the head slightly elevated. Often found near its conifer host plants.
Description
A small, slender moth with a mottled pattern of creamy white and dark brown to black scales, giving it a cryptic appearance. It typically rests with its head slightly raised and antennae pointing forward, holding its wings close to the body.
